Analysis of economic situation in countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Transcription

1 The National Bank of Poland Economic Institute World Economy and European Economic Integration Bureau Analysis of economic situation in countries of Central and Eastern Europe June

2 Contents: Executive summary 3 1. NMS-9 economic situation as compared to emerging economies. Economic growth 3. External imbalances 1. Labour market. Inflation and labour costs 1. Monetary policy Statistical annex 9 Theme boxes Comparison of investment levels in old and new EU countries 1 Latvia on the way to stagflation 13 Hungary the reactions of the financial market 7 Prepared by: Marcin Grela Approved by: Ewa Rzeszutek Zbigniew Żółkiewski This report has been prepared for information purposes on the basis of various research sources independent from the National Bank of Poland.

3 Executive summary In 7 the average economic growth rate in NMS-9 remained at a relatively high level (respectively.% as compared to.% in ). On the other hand, the growth rates reported by particular economies of the region were not uniform. The Baltic states and Hungary saw their economies slow down significantly. In other NMS-9 countries the GDP remained broadly unchanged in 7 or showed a slight increase vis-à-vis the corresponding figures of. In Q1 economic growth moderated in the majority of the NMS-9 countries. In the Baltic states considerable decrease in internal demand coincided with a material downturn in lending. Banks strengthened their supervisory standards not only on account of overheating of the economies of the region but also in effect of worldwide lending crisis and ensuing global increase in risk aversion. Across Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia high growth prevailed in 7 both in consumption and investment. Meanwhile, consumption remained on a steady slowdown in Hungary as investment demand showed a very weak growth. Since early, the expectations indices both among consumers and business communities across all the analyzed region continued the fall commenced in the second half of 7. The said tendency reflected primarily the global conditions: growing commodity prices on global markets and worsening sentiment on financial markets. In to date, high inflation prevailed across all the CEE region. The largest inflation growth occurred in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Latvia in the analyzed period. The high level of inflation was still due to high food and energy prices, but their contribution to inflation growth rate in the NMS- 9 countries between January and May was lower than in the second half of 7. Net inflation (excluding food and energy prices) in the majority of NMS-9 countries (with the exception of Hungary) followed a rising trend in the first five months of. Following the slowdown in 7 Q, the average nominal wage growth for all the CEE region regained its momentum in Q1. In the wake of slower wage growth in 7 Q, unit labour costs on average slightly declined in the analyzed region. As regards balance of payments, weaker demand in the Baltic economies contributed to the improvement in their current account balance. At the same time Romania and Bulgaria posted a marked increase in their current account deficits. The labour market situation in Q1 remained positive in most countries of the analyzed region, fuelled by the relatively high rate of economic growth. 7 brought about the improvement in the balance of the public finance sector in most NMS-9 countries. On the other hand, as forecast by the European Commission, over the coming years the figure is going to deteriorate across most of the region (with the exception of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary). In central banks tightened their monetary policies in most countries implementing direct inflation target policy. Central banks in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania decided to raise their interest rates. The National Bank of Slovakia proved to be the only one that kept them unchanged. In the analysed period, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania also reported an increase in their 3- month market interest rates. In Slovakia, shortterm interest rates on the inter-bank markets did not change. 3-month interest rates in the Baltic countries declined in, having grown rapidly in the second half of 7. The current forecast of economic growth for the CEE region for and 9 declined as against those of the end-7. Meanwhile, according to the most updated inflation forecast, inflation will rise more markedly in only to fall in 9. 3

4 1. NMS-9 economic situation as compared to emerging economies The year 7 saw the continuation of a high worldwide economic growth. The global economic growth amounted to.9% as compared to.% in. The emerging economies grew faster in the period 1. The GDP growth gained momentum in those countries from 7.9% in to.% in 7. Figure 1.1. Annual GDP growth rate World Emerging markets NMS-9 Source: IMF WEO, Eurostat, EcoWin Economic. Beginning from 3 the volume of global foreign trade as percentage of global GDP has followed a rising trend. In 7 the value of global trade represented 1.% of GDP, as against.1% of GDP posted in. In the group of emerging economies the value of worldwide foreign trade in relation to the GDP has also increased to stand at 1.% in 7. As in previous years, in 7 the NMS-9 region showed a very large openness of its economies. Starting from the total value of exports and imports of NMS-9 was higher than the total GDP value in those countries. In the foreign trade value represented 113.7% of the GDP, whereas in 7 this figure grew to 11.%. 1 Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, the Philippines India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Turkey referred to in the charts as 'Emerging' - according to IMF classification these countries fall under the category of emerging countries. They have been chosen as a representative comparative group for NMS-9 countries on account of their significant impact on the development of global economy and similar level of GDP per capita to NMS-9. The foreign trade value is understood as the joint value of exports and imports. Figure 1.. Foreign trade volume, percentage of GDP World Emerging markets NMS-9 Source: IMF DOTS, Eurostat, EcoWin Economic. In 7 the average current account deficit in the NMS-9 region amounted to 11.7%., rising from 1.% reported in. This high and increasing deficit resulted primarily from the worsening of the current account balance reported in the Baltic and Balkan countries (- 17.3% and -1.% of the GDP in 7 and respectively, on the average). In the group of countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary the current account deficit was much lower; in addition it decreased in 7 (-.3% and -.% of the GDP in 7 and respectively). Meanwhile, in 7 as in the preceding years the group of emerging countries reported the current account surplus of.% of the GDP, however, representing a decline of.7 pp against the corresponding figure for. The surplus on the current account in the group of developing countries results from export-oriented direction of the emerging economies, mostly Asian ones. In addition, some of the countries included in this group (e.g. Russia, Indonesia) are global exporters of commodities. The recent growth of the prices of commodities had a significant impact on the improvement of the foreign trade balance in those countries. 3 For the emerging group and NMS-9 calculated as the total value of exsports and imports of all countries included in a given group vis-à-vis the joint GDP of all the countries within this group. The arithmetic average for NMS-9 countries.

5 Figure 1.3. Current account balance, percentage of GDP Emerging markets NMS-9 Source: IMF WEO, EcoWin Economic, Eurostat. The continuation of high economic growth in those countries had a positive impact on the improvement of the situation on the labour market in the emerging countries. In 7, the average unemployment rate amounted to.% in the emerging countries and to 7.3% in NMS-9, as compared to.% and.% respectively in. The global unemployment rate also fell from.3% to.% over the corresponding period. to.% in 7 as compared to.% in. r. Figure 1.. Average inflation World Emerging markets NMS-9 Source: IMF WEO, Eurostat. Figure 1. Unemployment rate World Emerging markets NMS-9 Figure: ILO, Eurostat, National Statistical Offices. The year 7 was marked by worldwide inflation growth, which stood at.% in comparison to 3.7% in. The growth of inflation which occurred in 7 was more noticeable in the NMS-9 group. The average inflation in NMS-9 amounted to.% as compared to.% in the preceding year. Inflation grew more slowly in the emerging countries. Consumer prices growth accelerated Calculated as the arithmetic average for the given group of countries.

6 . Economic growth The annual economic growth rate in NMS-9 averaged.% in 7 Q, i.e. went up from.9% in the previous quarter. The higher GDP growth in the region was primarily attributable to a dynamic GDP growth in Slovakia, which was up by.9 pp in 7 Q over the corresponding figures of 7 Q3. Whereas the GDP growth gained momentum also in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania, it decelerated in the remaining countries of the region. The Baltic states reported a marked decline of. pp, on the average. A slight decrease in economic growth in relation to 7 Q3 was observed in Poland and in Hungary. Whereas the GDP growth in Poland remained broadly unchanged in Q1 in comparison with 7, it decreased in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Also the Baltic states followed a declining path; by contrast Hungary and Romania posted a rapid economic growth in Q1. Figure.1. GDP growth rate in NMS Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q NMS-9 EE,LT,LV CZ,HU,PL,SK BG,RO Source: Eurostat, EcoWin Economic, own calculations The GDP growth rate in the group of countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary averaged.% in 7 Q., i.e. was up by. pp over the corresponding figures of 7 Q3, fuelled by the economic acceleration undergoing in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia. The GDP growth in the Czech Republic went up to.% in 7 Q from.% in 7 Q3, only to contract to.% in Q1. The economic growth in Slovakia rose from 9.% in 7 Q3 to 1.3% in 7 Q. Slovakia posted the GDP growth following the rise in excise duties on tobacco - starting from the beginning of - and subsequently the accumulation by tobacco companies of their inventories. In other words the growth was triggered by a one-time factor, which can as well inhibit the GDP expansion in the oncoming quarters. Data for Q1 confirm this picture with the GDP growth in Slovakia developing at.7%. Both in Poland and in Hungary the GDP growth decreased marginally in 7 Q as compared with the preceding quarter. In Poland this figure declined from.% in 7 Q3 to.% in 7 Q. In Q1 the economic growth in Poland further edged down to stand at.1%. Hungary remained the slowest developing economy from the countries in the NMS-9 region. The GDP growth declined from.9% in 7 Q3 to. % in 7 Q. It was already the sixth consecutive quarter in which the economic growth rate in Hungary decreased. In Q1 the GDP in Hungary rebounded and accelerated to 1.% y/y, fuelled by net exports. The economic growth in the analysed countries continued to be driven mainly by internal demand. In 7 Q however, an increasing part of the GDP growth was financed by investment outlays. It amounted to. pp, up from 1. pp in the third quarter. In contrast to the previous quarters of 7, it surpassed the contribution of total consumption, which in 7 Q fell to. pp from.3 pp in 7 Q3. Fixed capital formation pursued a rising trend in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. An opposite situation was observed only in Poland, but Poland in 7 Q continued to boast the highest investment growth in the abovementioned group of countries (1.%). A drop in the contribution of consumption to economic growth in 7 Q was due to its slowdown in Poland and Slovakia. The contribution of net exports to economic growth in the analysed group of countries remained positive and slightly increased in 7 Q. It amounted to 1. percentage points,

7 compared with 1.1 pp in the previous quarter. Whereas contribution of net exports increased in Poland and the Czech Republic, in Hungary it did not change in comparison with 7 Q3, while it decreased significantly in Slovakia. In Q1 the GDP growth in these countries decreased to.%, which was driven by the drop in the contribution of fixed capital formation and net exports. The economic growth in the Baltic states in 7 Q dropped to.9% from 9.% in Q3. In Q1 the GDP growth further dropped to 3,%. In 7 Q the GDP growth in Lithuania and Latvia stood at.%, down by respectively.9 pp and. pp in comparison with the previous quarter. Estonia was the slowest developing country in this group (.%), its GDP growth in the fourth quarter decreased by 1. pp. The economic growth in Estonia in 7 Q dropped by. pp in comparison with Q. The first estimates of GDP dynamics in Q1 indicate a continued economic slowdown in the Baltic countries. The GDP in Q1 increased in Latvia by 3.%, in Lithuania by.9%, and in Estonia merely by.1%. The internal demand, though weaker in 7 Q, remained the main factor driving economic growth, particularly in Estonia and Lithuania. Internal demand slowed down most markedly in Latvia. Its overall contribution to GDP growth decreased from 1.1 pp in 7 Q3 to. pp in 7 Q. This drop was partially compensated by the increase in net exports, which contribution in the corresponding period grew from -.3 pp to 3.7 pp. The contribution of consumption to economic growth in the Baltic states as a whole declined from 7. pp in 7 Q3 to. pp in 7 Q. The contribution of investment in this period declined from.1 pp to 1.3 pp. The fixed capital formation growth rate dropped in Lithuania and Latvia, while in Estonia it grew in comparison with 7 Q3, when it was negative. A positive contribution of net exports was due to an improvement in the foreign trade balance, although in the above-mentioned group of countries it remained negative. In 7 Q the contribution of net exports to economic growth in the Baltic states further increased. On the average it amounted to +1.3 pp against -.1 pp in 7 Q3 and -.7 pp in 7 Q1. This situation was due to a bigger contribution of net exports to economic growth in Latvia and Estonia. In 7 Q exports gained momentum in Estonia and Latvia, along with a slowdown in imports. In the case of Lithuania both the growth of exports and imports declined seriously. The foreign trade balance improved primarily because of the fall in domestic demand. Imports growth slowed down and some part of production shifted towards exports due to domestic slowdown. Although the economic activity in the euro area lost its momentum, the Swedish and Russian economies, which are among the main economic partners of the Baltic states reported a rebound, unwinding the negative tendency. The GDP growth in the Baltic states further declined in Q1 as internal demand lost momentum (with the exception of Latvia, where the contribution of both consumption and investment increased in Q1). Contrary to the previous two quarters the contribution of net exports to economic growth in all the Baltic states declined. The real GDP growth in the Balkan states (Bulgaria and Romania) increased in 7 Q. It amounted to.9% in Bulgaria and.% in Romania against respectively.% and,7% in the previous quarter. In the Balkan states, as in other countries of the region, the economic growth was mainly driven by internal demand. The contribution of consumption to economic growth increased in 7 Q for both countries and amounted to.1 pp in Bulgaria and.1 pp in Romania. On the other hand the investment demand weakened somewhat, and its contribution fell from. pp in 7 Q3 to. pp in Bulgaria and from 9. pp in 7 Q3 to 7. pp in Romania. Both these countries, and in particular Romania (as well as Poland), recorded the highest growth of fixed capital 7

8 formation among NMS-9 countries in 7 Q (1% in Bulgaria and % in Romania). In Bulgaria and Romania in 7 Q the contribution of foreign trade balance to economic growth was still negative, but a certain increase was observed. It amounted to - 1. pp in Bulgaria and -7. pp in Romania, up from respectively -3. pp and -. pp in the previous quarter. In the case of Bulgaria, this increase was due to the fall in the growth of imports, while in Romania a significant increase in the growth of exports was observed. Table.1. Decomposition of GDP growth in NMS-9. Bulgaria Czech Rep. Estonia Q 1 Q Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q3 Q Q 1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 Latvia 7 Q 7 Q 3 7 Q Q1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Q1 Q Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Lithuania Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Q1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q 1 Q Q 3 Q Q 1 Q Q 3 Q 7 Q 1 7 Q 7 Q 3 7 Q Q 1 Hungary Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Q1 T otal consumption Changes in inventories GDP Poland Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q 1 Q Q 3 Q Q 1 Q Q 3 Q 7 Q 1 7 Q 7 Q 3 Romania 7 Q Q 1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q 1 Q Q 3 Q Q 1 Q Q 3 Q 7 Q 1 7 Q Slovakia 7 Q 3 7 Q Q 1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports T otal consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 Source, CSO, Eurostat 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Q1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q 1 Q Q 3 Q Q 1 Q Q 3 Q 7 Q 1 7 Q 7 Q 3 7 Q Q 1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports Total consumption Changes in inventories GDP Q 1 Q Q 3 Q Q 1 Q Q 3 Q 7 Q 1 7 Q 7 Q 3 7 Q Q 1 Gross fixed capital formation Net exports

9 Figure. Real effective exchange rate in NMS-9, index =1 (increase means appreciation) m1 m7 m1 m7 m1 m7 m1 7 m7 7 m1 CZ PL SK HU m1 m7 m1 m7 m1 m7 m1 7 m7 7 m1 EE LT LV m3 m9 m3 BG lhs m9 m3 m9 m3 7 m9 7 RO rhs Source: BIS 9

10 Box 1. Comparison of investment levels in old and new EU countries Since EU entry in, most NMS-9 countries experienced an increase in investment outlays expressed as percentage of GDP. Whereas in 3 it averaged 1.% of GDP, in 7 it amounted to nearly % of GDP. The biggest increase in investment outlays to GDP took place in Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Latvia. In turn, in the Czech Republic and Hungary the contribution of investments to GDP slightly decreased in the analyzed period. In the old EU countries the contribution of investment outlays to GDP grew between 3 and 7 but this increase was smaller than that reported in the new Member States. In 3 investments in EU-1 countries accounted for 19.% of GDP as against 1% of GDP in 7. Table 1. Gross fixed capital formation in EU countries in -7 (percentage of GDP) Austria,,1, 1,3,7,,,7 Belgium,, 19, 1, 19,,3,7 1, Denmark, 19, 19, 19,3 19,3 19,7 1,, Finland 19, 19, 17,9 1,1 1, 1,9 19,3,3 France 19, 19, 1, 1, 19,3 19,, 1, Greece 1, 1,,,3, 3,,,7 Spain,,,3 7,, 9,3 3, 31,1 Netherlands 1,9 1,1, 19, 1, 19, 19,7 19,9 Ireland 3,, 1,7,3 3,,,3,3 Luxembourg,,, 1,,, 1, 19, Germany 1,, 1,3 17,9 17, 17, 1, 1, Portugal 7,1,,,9,, 1, 1,7 Sweden 17, 17, 1, 1,3 1, 17, 1,1 1,9 UK 17, 17,1 17,1 1,7 17,1 17, 17, 1, Italy,3,3,9,,,7 1, 1,1 EU-1,,1 19, 19, 19, 19,9, 1, Bulgaria 1,7 1, 1, 19,3,,,9 9, Cyprus 17, 1,7 1,1 17, 1,7 19,,3, Czech Rep.,, 7,,7,,,,1 Estonia,,7 9, 31,7 31, 3, 3,1 31,9 Lithuania 1,,1,3 1,,3,,, latvia,,9 3,, 7, 3, 3, 31, Malta,9, 1,3 19, 19,3 19, 19, 1,7 Poland 3,7,7 1,7 1, 1,1 1, 19,7,3 Romania 1,9,7 1,3 1, 1, 3,1, 3, Slovakia,, 7,,,,,3,7 Slovenia,,9 3,,1,,,1,7 Hungary 3, 3, 3,,1,,7 1,7,9 EU-1 3,, 1, 1, 1,, 3,, EU-7,7, 19, 19, 19,7,,7 1, Source: Eurostat 1

11 A more rapid increase in the investment rate in the new EU countries after may be attributable to the increased inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) to EU-1 countries after their entry to the EU as well as good economic climate in these countries. In 7 the inflow of FDI increased to nearly EUR 7 bn, up from EUR 1 bn in 3 (respectively.% and.7% of GDP). In comparison with the four previous years the volume of FDI inflows in -7 increased in all new member states, in particular in Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, where this category grew more than four times over the analyzed period. It seems therefore that EU entry increased the investment attractiveness of NMS-9 countries. The period -7 featured very good economic climate all over the world. The average yearly growth of global GDP in this period was about %, while the volume of trade grew on the average by.% a year. Those developments in parallel with offshoring trends - the tendency to transfer production to countries with low manufacturing costs - led to the growth of world capital transfers. In this period the inflow of global FDI increased two and a half times (from USD bn in 3 to USD 13 bn in ), from which the NMS-9 countries benefited as well. A good economic climate was another factor affecting investment growth in the new Member States. Whereby enterprises increased their profits and could allocate more funds to investment. Additionally the new EU Member States experienced a marked development of credits for enterprises. Their growth increased from -1.% in 3 to 3% in 7. The level of credits for enterprises in relation to the GDP increased in this period from 1.% to.%, yet it was still twice lower than in the old EU countries. Figure 1. FDI inflow as percentage of GDP Figure. Loans to enterprises, yoy, in % EU-1 EU-1 Source: UNCTAD, Eurostat, Central Banks EU-1 EU-1 Source: EcoWin Economic, Eurostat, Central Banks Economic climate Over the first five months of the indices of sentiments among both consumers and business corporates in the CEE region pursued a steady decline (see chart.3), mainly on account of worsening sentiment in global economy. In May the average level of consumer confidence for the analyzed group of countries was -19. down from -. and -1. respectively in July 7 and December 7. The biggest decline took place in the Baltic states, in Slovakia and in Hungary. Poland was the only state where consumer sentiment improved between 7 and. The business confidence index for the whole group of countries also fell from 3. in December 7 to -1. in May. In fact confidence deteriorated across the region, only in Bulgaria did business sentiment improve. 11

12 Figure.3. Economic confidence indices in NMS Consumers Source: European Commission 3 m 3 m11 m m11 m m11 m m11 7 m 7 m11 m Business The growth rate of industrial output in NMS-9 countries fell in Q1 and averaged.9% against.% in 7 Q. At the same time the growth in retail sales accelerated. In Q1 it averaged.%, up from.% in 7 Q. The acceleration in the growth of retail sales took place in Slovakia, Lithuania, Poland and Bulgaria. Figure.. Industrial output and retail sales growth rates In NMS-9 (3 months average) m3 3 m7 3 m11 m3 m7 Retail sales m11 m3 m7 m11 m3 m7 m11 Industrial output Source: EcoWin Economic, own calculations 7 m3 7 m7 7 m11 m3 Forecasts According to the forecasts of external institutions (see table. and.3) the economic growth rate in the CEE region will fall in and 9 in comparison with 7. Only in Hungary will the GDP growth slightly accelerate in -9. The latest economic growth forecasts for and 9 are lower than those from end-7. The biggest negative difference with respect to GDP growth forecasts is noted in the case of the Baltic states. The greatest threats to economic growth in NMS-9 countries include: Economic slowdown across the euro area. NMS-9 countries tend to maintain highly open economies and are therefore vulnerable to a decline in external demand. The continued liquidity crisis in finacial markets coupled with high dependence on external financing (particularly in the Baltic and Balkan states) may lead to further reduction in lending and weaken both consumption and investment. The fixed exchange rate regime and lack of possibility of monetary policy reaction in the Baltic states and Bulgaria in the context of adverse external environment may lead to the deepening and prolongation of economic slowdown in these countries. Table.. GDP growth rate forecasts IMF European Commission Czech Rep.,,,7,7, Poland,,9,,3, Slovakia 1,,, 7,, Hungary 1,3 1,, 1,9 3, Estonia 7,1 3, 3,7,7,3 Lithuania,,,,1 3,7 Latvia 1,3 3,, 3,, Bulgaria,,,,, Romania,,,7,,1 Source: IMF, European Commission Table.3. GDP growth rate forecasts. 7 9 Czech Rep.,,, Poland,,9, Slovakia 1, 7,3,1 Hungary 1,3, 3,1 Source: OECD Economic Outlook (June ) 1

13 Box Latvia on the way to stagflation A scenario of a possible economic slump in the Baltic states has been contemplated by economists for a while. There are at least several grounds for such reasoning: High external imbalances (deficit at the current account balance in -7 stood at 1 to even 3% of GDP). The fixed exchange rate regime and ensuing lack of fully autonomous monetary policy brought an enormous rise in inflation and appreciation of real exchange rates. A highly negative level of real interest rates (caused by high inflation) led to expansive growth of lending and growth of the foreign debt of the banking sector. Considering the economic growth in and at the beginning of 7 there were no signs of economic slowdown of the Baltic economies. First symptoms appeared in 7 Q in Estonia, when the GDP dynamics dropped by. percentage points. In the other Baltic states the GDP growth rate was still running above 1% and was the highest among NMS-9 countries. In 7 Q an economic slowdown took place in all the Baltic states. The GDP growth declined on the average by. percentage points. The GDP ebbed most in Latvia, where it dropped by nearly 3 percentage points. Preliminary estimates of GDP growth show that in Q1 another fall took place by. percentage points to 3.%. The breakdown of economic growth in Latvia in 7 Q shows a rapid decline in internal demand. Its overall contribution to GDP growth fell from 1.1 pp in 7 Q3 to. pp in 7 Q, i.e. by as much as 11. pp. In contrast to the previous quarters, the main factor driving economic growth in Latvia was net exports. This growth stemmed from slump in imports, apparently an additional factor reflecting economic slowdown in Latvia. At the same time inflation in Latvia keeps growing. In April it stood at nearly 1% and was by far the highest in the CEE region. Table 1. Decomposition of GDP growth in Latvia. Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q GDP 13,1 11,1 11,9 11,7 11, 11, 1,9, Total consumption 11,1 11, 1,3 1, 1, 13, 1, 3,7 Gross fixe capital formation,9 3,7,9,,,,, Changes in inventories -, -, 9,,,, 1,1,7 Net exports -3, -3, -11, -11, -1, -1, -,3 3,7 Source: Eurostat, own calculations 13

14 Economic growth in Latvia, similarly as in other Baltic states was to a large extent fuelled by household and corporate lending. The economic activity slowdown in 7 Q may be therefore partly attributable to the deceleration in the growth of granted credits. In and in the first half of 7 it stood at ca. % y/y in the case of households and -% in the case of enterprises while in Q1 it declined to ca. 3% y/y. Credit slump reflects the tightening of banking supervisory standards in the context of the overheating Latvian economy and a crisis in global financial markets. 9 7 Figure 1. Credit to private sector growth rate, yoy, in % 3 m1 m m7 m1 m1 m Households m7 m1 7m1 7m 7m7 Enterprises 7m1 m1 Source: EcoWin Economic, own calculations Economic slowdown may also hit the fiscal situation in Latvia. The budget for adopted in October 7 envisaged a surplus of 1% of GDP but this target is unlikely be met. Estimating the level of tax income, an assumption was made of economic growth at the level of 7.%, while the latest forecasts show this pace to stand at the level of ca. 3-%. The fall in income may be also accompanied by the growth in expenditure. High inflation leads to the increase in wage pressure on the part of public sector employees, there is also a pressure to increase disability benefits, pensions and other social benefits. International Monetary Fund forecasts for Latvia from April indicate a very significant decline in economic growth in and 9, coupled with high inflation (the highest among NMS-9 countries). In 9 and 1 Latvia will be the slowest developing country in the region and at the same time the price growth there will be the quickest. Table. INF forecasts for Latvia GDP 11,9 1, 3,,,3 1,3, 3, CPI average, 1,1 1,3 9,,7, 3,7 3,1 CPI end of period, 1,1 11, 7,9,,1 3, 3,1 CA/GDP -,3-3,3-1, -1, -, -,3 -, -, Source: Word Economic Outlook, April 1

15 According to the IMF there are at least several factors, which in the coming years may inhibit lending in the Baltic states, including Latvia. They are the following: Impact of the subprime crisis in the US. The direct impact of the crisis on the Baltic states does not seem too big, since the Scandinavian banks, who are the main players in the Baltic markets were not significantly exposed (at least according to the present state of knowledge) to instruments on the mortgage loans market in the US. Much more serious seems to be the indirect impact, through the aversion to risk and consequently more cautious financing of the emerging economies. Decline in the competitiveness of the economy. A very rapid rise in wages (reaching as much as 3% y/y in Latvia) surpassing by far the labour productivity growth has brought in recent years a fall in the competitiveness of this economy in the international market, and consequently worse earnings of enterprises. Should this trend persist in the labour market, foreign investors may lose motivation and the inflow of future investments may decline. A dwindling inflow of petrodollars. The growing prices of raw materials in the world markets and growing profits from trade in these materials resulted in recent years in a big inflow of investment from countries-exporters of raw materials to emerging economies, including NMS-9 countries. Should the prices of raw materials grow at a more moderate pace, the inflow of funds from this source may very quickly decrease, thus reducing the inflow of external financing in Latvia. 7 The economic situation in 7 Q and in the first half of as well as the external centres' forecasts indicate that the risk of stagflation in Latvia is beginning to increase. This scenario is even more likely to come true in the context of the fixed exchange rate and easing of fiscal policies. Estonia is exposed to similar risks. According to the estimate data, the GDP growth in Estonia developed only at.1% in Q1, vis-à-vis the two-digit figure posted a year before. At the same time inflation reached 11. % in April, i.e. the highest level recorded since the early 199s. 7 Since oil prices showed a significant growth in the first half of, and their growth does not seem to be anticipated in the forecasts for the remaining part of the year, the weight of this argument has weakened. 1

16 3. External imbalances In 7 Q the average current account deficit in NMS-9 countries increased to 11.% of GDP, up from 1.% of GDP in 7 Q3. The increase in deficit resulted mainly from a significant deterioration of current account balance in Bulgaria and Romania. The deficit rose also in Poland, though to a much smaller extent than in the Balkan countries. In the other countries of the region the current account balance improved. As in the previous quarters the current account deficit in most of the countries resulted from the deficit in trade in goods and the negative income balance. With the exception of the Balkan countries all other NMS-9 countries recorded a surplus in foreign trade in services. The current transfers balance in the majority of countries (except Slovakia) was also positive, though it exceeded % of GDP only in Lithuania, Latvia and Rumania. The highest current account deficit continued to be recorded in the Baltic states, as well as in Romania and Bulgaria. In 7 Q, the deficit in this group of countries averaged 17.% of the GDP, up from 1.% in 7 Q3. The increase in the current account deficit in this group of countries results from the deteriorating balance in the Balkan countries (in particular in Bulgaria, where the deficit reached 7.7% of GDP in 7 Q). At the same time in all the Baltic states the current account deficit declined in relation to GDP, which resulted in the first place from the rapid decline in the imports of goods in Latvia and Estonia (see chapter 1). Figure 3.1.Current account balance In NMS-9, as percentage of GDP EE LT LV BG Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 Q3 Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 Q3 RO Source: Eurostat, Central Banks, own calculations For the last several quarters the Czech Republic and Hungary have constituted an exception. 1

17 Table 3.1. Structure of current account balance in NMS-9, in percentage of GDP Bulgaria Czech Republic Goods Income Current account Goods Income Current account Goods Inc ome Current account Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Latvia Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q Poland 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q3 Source: Eurostat, Central Banks, own calculations Goods Income Current account Goods Income Current account Goods Income Current account Lithuania Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Romania Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers Q1 Q Q1 Q Q1 Q Goods Inc ome Current account Goods Income Current account Goods Income Current account Estonia Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 Hungary Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 Slovakia Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Services Current transfers In the group of Baltic and Balkan countries the current account deficit resulted mainly from a large deficit on trade in goods. In 7 Q it amounted to 17.9% of GDP, an improvement from 1.1% in the previous quarter. In 7 Q the balance on services deteriorated in comparison with 7 Q3 (respectively.% and 1.% of GDP), which constituted the most important factor in the increase of current account deficit. The most rapid decline took place in Bulgaria, where the services balance was -1.% of GDP compared to 11.% of GDP in 7 Q3. The balance on income and the current transfers balance, on the other hand, improved in this group of countries (see table 3.1). From a financing perspective the current account deficit in the Baltic states, Bulgaria and Romania was primarily covered by other investments, including mainly loans to the banking sector. Turbulence on financial markets and liquidity problems towards the end of 7 markedly dampened the inflow of investments to this group of countries, and to the Baltic countries in particular. The average inflow of other investment to the above mentioned group amounted to 9% of GDP in 7 Q, down from 19% of GDP in 7 Q3. The inflow of FDI has also declined somewhat, while the balance of portfolio investments improved (see table 3.). 17

18 7 Q brought about the improvement in the current account balance for the whole group comprising Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Within this group the current account deficit averaged.1% of the GDP in 7 Q, down from.9% of the GDP in 7 Q3. Poland proved to be the only country in this group that saw its current account deficit deteriorate. In all the remaining countries the deficit declined in 7 Q. Nonetheless it was the Czech Republic as well as Poland that recorded the lowest economic deficit in the NMS-9 group. As in the preceding quarters the income account deficit accounted for most of the current account deficit. On the other hand 7 Q3 saw the said balance improve (see table 3.1). Since deficit declined both on income account and on trade in goods, the current account deficit improved in the analysed group of countries. Table 3.. Structure of financial account balance in NMS-9, in percentage of GDP Bulgaria Czech Rep Q1 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q FDI Other investments FDI Other investments FDI Other investments Latvia Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Poland Portfolio investments Current account Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q1 Q Q1 Q Source: Eurostat, Central Banks, own calculations FDI Other investments FDI Other investments FDI Other investments Q1 Q Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Lithuania Romania Portfolio investments Current account Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q1 Q Q1 Q Q1 Q FDI Other investments FDI Other investments FDI Other investments Estonia Hungary Slovakia Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account Q3 Q Q1 Q Q3 Q 7 Q1 7 Q 7 Q3 7 Q Portfolio investments Current account 1

19 In 7 Q the current account deficit in the above mentioned group of countries as well as in the Baltic countries was financed mainly with the inflow of other investments, which amounted to. % of GDP. On the other hand the FDI inflow in 7 Q amounted to 3.% of GDP. Both of those balances declined in comparison with 7 Q3 when they stood at.1% and.% of GDP respectively. Similarly as in the Baltic states the portfolio investment balance improved and stood at.% in 7 Q up from -3.9% in 7 Q3. Long-term debt rating Table 3.3. Long-term foreign currency debt rating 3 7 May Poland BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ A- A- Czech Rep. A- A- A A A A+ Slovakia BBB A- A A A A Hungary A- A- BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ Estonia A- A A A A A Lithuania BBB A- A- A A A Latvia BBB+ A- A- A- BBB+ BBB+ Bulgaria BB+ BBB- BBB BBB BBB BBB Romania BB BBB- BBB- BBB BBB BBB Source: FitchRatings Table 3.3. Long-term domestic currency debt rating 3 7 Maj Poland A+ A A A A A Czech Rep. A A A+ A+ A+ AA- Slovakia A- A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ Hungary A+ A+ A- A- A- A- Estonia A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ Lithuania A- A A A+ A+ A+ Latvia A A A A A- A- Bulgaria BBB- BBB BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ Romania BB+ BBB BBB BBB+ BBB+ BBB+ Source: FitchRatings In ratings for long-term debt remained stable in the majority of countries. Only in the case of the Czech Republic the Fitch agency upgraded the rating from A to A+ (foreign currency) and from A+ to AA- (domestic currency). On the other hand long-term debt outlook deteriorated in Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Romania. On 31 January the Fitch agency decided to change the long-term outlook for these countries from stable to negative. Forecasts Current account balance forecasts for NMS-9 countries show the figure decline in relation to GDP in most countries (see tables 3.3 and 3.). Only in Poland and in Romania the current account deficit is growing. The forecasted weakening of domestic demand in the Baltic countries may have a dampening effect on imports in these countries and thus improve the current account balance. Table 3.. Current account balance forecast for NMS-9, in percentage of GDP European IMF Commission Czech Rep. -,7-3, -, -,9 -, Poland -3,7 -, -,7 -, -, Slovakia -,7 -, -,7 -, -3,1 Hungary -,9 -, -,1 -, -3,9 Estonia -17,3-11, -11, -11, -9,3 Lithuania -13,7-1, -, -1,3-11, Latvia -,9-1, -1, -17,7-1, Bulgaria -1, -1,9-1,9-1, -,9 Romania -1,1-1, -13, -1,1-1, Source: IMF, European Commission Table 3.. Current account balance forecast for NMS-9, in percentage of GDP 7 9 Czech Rep. -,7 -, -1, Poland -3,7 -, -, Slovakia -,7 -,3-3,1 Hungary -,9 -, -,1 Źródło: OECD Economic Outlook (June ) 19

20 . Labour market The situation on the labour market in 7 Q in NMS-9 countries as a whole was still good. High economic growth supported growth in employment. The average employment growth in the NMS-9 region in 7 Q stood at.% in comparison with.% in 7 Q3. The growth in employment accelerated in 7 Q in Poland, Slovakia, Romania and in Latvia, while decelerated in Bulgaria, Estonia and Lithuania but still remained positive. Hungary was the only country in the region which experienced a decline in employment in this period (employment dropped from -. % in 7 Q to -1. % in Q1). In Q1 in the majority of the countries in the region 9 (with the exception of Hungary) the growth of employment accelerated again. In the last quarter of 7 the rate of unemployment in NMS-9 countries dropped from.7% to.%. Yet, not all the countries of the region recorded a decline in unemployment. In Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania and Hungary the rate of unemployment increased. In Q1 the rate of unemployment in most countries in the region increased slightly and for the region as a whole it averaged.7%. The growth of unemployment in winter was due to limited employment in certain sectors, e.g. construction, and was not a surprise. Figure.1. Employment growth rate Q 3 Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 7 Q 7 Q EŚW PL, CZ, HU, SK EE, LT, LV BG, RO Source: EcoWin Economic, own calculations Figure.. Unemployment rate Q3 3 Q1 3 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 7 Q1 7 Q3 Q1 EŚW PL, CZ, HU, SK EE, LT, LV BG, RO Source: EcoWin Economic 9 Due to the lack of data for all countries for Q1, the analysis is not comprehensive.

21 . Inflation and labour costs 1 Between January and May the average HICP inflation in NMS-9 grew from.% to 9.%. The highest rise in the analysed period took place in Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria where it reached between.1 to.3 percentage points. The highest inflation level, similarly as in 7, was recorded in the Baltic states and Bulgaria. In May the HICP growth in this group of countries markedly exceeded 1% and ranged between 11.% in Estonia and 17.7% in Latvia. Such a high inflation in these countries has not been recorded since the beginning of the 199s. High inflation in May also prevailed in Romania (.%), the Czech Republic (.%) and Hungary (.9%). In those last two countries the high level of inflation in reflects the rise in administered prices and indirect taxes at the beginning of. A relatively lowest HICP growth was observed in Poland (.3%) and in Slovakia (.%). Inflation continued at high levels driven by high food and energy prices, but their contribution to inflation growth rate between January and May was in the NMS-9 countries much lower than in the nd half of 7 (see table.1). It amounted to. pp on average against 1.9 pp in the nd half of 7. The energy price hikes significantly contributed to inflation growth between January and May only in Latvia and in Romania. In other countries the contribution of energy prices to HICP growth was small and in the Czech Republic and in Bulgaria it turned even negative. The contribution of food prices to inflation growth in NMS-9 was also smaller than in the nd half of 7, in particular with regard to unprocessed food. The biggest contribution of food prices to inflation growth took place in Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania, i.e. in countries where inflation increased the most in the period under review. The food prices growth in this group of countries accelerated 1 All data describe HICP inflation. further in, while in the other countries of the region it stopped and even fell. In other words a different path of food prices was responsible for a diffferent path of inflation in NMS-9 countries (see table.1). Core inflation (excluding food and energy prices) in the majority of NMS-9 countries (apart from Hungary) in the analyzed period followed a rising trend. On the average it increased for NMS-9 countries by.3 pp in the period from January to May. Wages and unit labour costs The nominal wage growth in 7 Q slightly decelerated, yet remained high. The growth of average wage in 7 Q stood at 1.1% against 1.9% in 7 Q3. In Q1 the wage growth again increased to 1.%, mainly due to the wage increase in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Whereas nominal wages grew at a slower pace, economy expanded rapidly in 7 Q. Consequently unit labour costs (ULC), while moderated its rise, remained high. The ULC growth in the fourth quarter amounted to 1.% in comparison with 11.7% in 7 Q3. Slovakia was the only country in the region where the ULC growth was negative. It amounted to -3. percentage points in 7 Q, as compared to -.3% in the previous quarter. This decrease was due mainly to the acceleration of economic growth 11. As it appears no second round effects have so far occurred in the CEE region. Most countries reported wage growth already in early, i.e. much earlier than inflation growth which was fuelled there by rising food and energy prices. Furthermore wage growth stabilized or even fell in the second half of 7 in some countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia). 11 However, it was due to one-off factors related to increase in inventories. (see chapter ). Leaving this effect apart would put the ULC growth in Slovakia in 7 Q at 1%, i.e. still at a lowest level among NMS-9 countries. 1

22 Table.1.Decomposition of HICP inflation, January-May in NMS-9 Contribution to inflation level Contribution to inflation change Country Price category in Weights, in percentage per cent in pp. of inflation change HICP 7,9, -1,1 1, 1, Energy 1, 1, -,,3 1, Czech Rep. Unprocessed food,,3 -,1,1 7, Processed food 3,,3 -,9 77, 19, Core,,,,, HICP,,3 -,1 1, 1, Energy 1,3 1,, -11,9 1, Poland Unprocessed food,, -,3 73,, Processed food 1, 1,,1-73,1 1,3 Core 1,1 1,3, -17,1,7 HICP 3,,, 1, 1, Energy,7,,1 11, 13,3 Slovakia Unprocessed food,1,3,1 1, 7,1 Processed food 1, 1,3,1 11, 19, Core 1, 1,7, 9,, HICP 7,,9 -, 1, 1, Energy 1, 1,,1-3,9 1, Hungary Unprocessed food,7,, 1, 1, Processed food,,,1-19, 7, Core,, -, 1, 3, HICP 11,3 11,,1 1, 1, Energy 3, 3,, 11, 11, Estonia Unprocessed food,9 1,,3, 9,3 Processed food 3,1 3,, 1,9 19,1 Core,3 3,9 -, -31,, HICP 1, 1,3,3 1, 1, Energy,,, -1, 11, Lithuania Unprocessed food 1, 1,, 1, 11,3 Processed food 3,3,3,9,, Core,7 3, 1,1,3, HICP 1, 17,7,1 1, 1, Energy,3 3, 1,3,9 13,3 Latvia Unprocessed food 1, 1,,3 1, 11, Processed food,3,, 3,, Core,,7,,1 3, Source: Eurostat, own calculations

23 Contribution to Contribution to inflation Country Price category inflation level change Weights, in in percentage per cent in pp. of inflation change HICP 11,7 1,,3 1, 1, Energy 1,7 1, -,1 -, 1,9 Bulgaria Unprocessed food,9 1,, 3, 9,7 Processed food 3,,7 1, 1, 19,1 Core,,9,7 3,,3 HICP 7,3, 1, 1, 1, Energy 1, 1,,, 1, Romania Unprocessed food 1, 1,,1 11, 7, Processed food, 3,,7,3 1, Core,1, -, -1, 9, HICP, 9,, 1, 1, Energy 1,,,, 13,3 Average Unprocessed food,9 1,1,,9 7,1 Processed food 3,1 3,,3 3,7 19, Core 3, 3,,,, Source: Eurostat, own calculations Figure.1. Decomposition of HICP inflation in NMS-9. m1 m3 m m7 m9 m11 7m1 Bulgaria 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed f ood m1 m3 HICP m m7 m9 m11 7m1 Latvia 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed food m1 m3 HICP Poland m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed f ood Processed food HICP Source: Eurostat, own calculations m1 m3 Czech Rep. m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed f ood m1 m3 HICP Lithuania m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed food 1 - m1 m3 HICP Romania m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed f ood HICP m1 m3 Estonia m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed food m1 m3 HICP Hungary m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed food Processed food m1 m3 HICP Slovakia m m7 m9 m11 7m1 7m3 7m 7m7 7m9 7m11 m1 m3 m Core Energy Unprocessed f ood Processed food HICP 3

24 Forecasts Inflation forecasts from April and May anticipate its growth in in comparison with 7 in all NMS-9 countries (excluding Hungary). In turn, in 9 inflation should decrease across the region. Only OECD forecasts for Poland anticipate a significant rise in inflation in 9 in comparison with. In comparison with forecasts from the end of 7 the anticipated inflation in NMS-9 in and 9 rose markedly. The main upside risk to price stability seems to derive from the continued rise in food prices and energy commodities. Additionally, mainly in the Baltic countries there is a risk of rise in inflationary expectations and triggering of price/wage spiral. Table.. Average annual inflation forecasts for NMS-9. European IMF Commission* Czech Rep.,, 3,,,7 Poland,,1 3,,3 3, Slovakia, 3, 3, 3, 3, Hungary,,9 3,,3 3,7 Estonia, 9,,7 9,,1 Lithuania,,3,1 1,1 7, Latvia 1,1 1,3 9, 1,, Bulgaria, 9,7, 9,9,9 Romania, 7,,1 7,, * HICP Source: IMF, European Commission Table.3. Average annual inflation forecasts 7 9 Czech Rep.,,,9 Poland,,, Slovakia,, 3, Hungary,,3 3,7 Source: OECD Economic Outlook (June )

25 . Monetary policy In four of the five countries of the NMS-9 region, which implement direct inflation targeting strategies 1 in the period between January and June a tightening of the monetary policy took place. The central banks of the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania began a series of interest rate hikes in 7, which also continued in. The National Bank of the Czech Republic (CNB) decided in February to raise interest rates by basis points to the level of 3.7% and since then interest rates in the Czech Republic have remained stable. The May inflation projection for the Czech Republic anticipated a higher level of inflation than in February. The CPI dynamics in the Czech Republic at the end of is anticipated to be running at the level of.3%, yet after the base effects related to the rises in administered prices and indirect taxes subside, the inflation in 9 should drop to the level of.% at the end of that year. 13 The interest rates of the National Bank of Poland in the period from January to June were risen on four occasions by basis points, from.% to.%. Interest rates in Romania increased the most in the analysed group of countries in. The NBR s reference rate rose by basis points, from 7.% in January to 9.7% in June as a response to a rising consumer demand, tensions in the labour market, continued high external imbalances as well as the depreciation of the domestic currency. In Romania, despite the inflation increase in, the central bank forecasts a decrease in the CPI growth rate in the projection horizon. In Q inflation should be running above the upper fluctuation band of the inflation target, at the end of 9 1 The countries implementing the direct inflation targeting strategy include: the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. 13 On March 7 the CNB took the decision to lower the inflationary target from 3% to % since January 1. Q1 it should already be consistent with the target. The National Bank of Hungary (MNB) after a series of interest rate reductions in 7 decided to raise them in. The main MNB interest rate rose in the period from January to June from 7.% to.%. The MNB justified its decision by a slower drop of inflation than earlier envisaged, as well as a move to prevent the anchoring of high inflationary expectations and the materialisation of second round effects. Figure.1. Main policy rates in inflation targeting countries m m7 m9 m11 7 m1 7 m3 7 m 7 m7 7 m9 7 m11 m1 m3 m CZ PL RO m m7 m9 m11 7 m1 7 m3 HU Source: Central banks 7 m 7 m7 7 m9 7 m11 m1 m3 m Slovakia was the only country in this group where the central bank did not decide to raise interest rates. The basic interest rate in Slovakia has showed no change since April 7 and stands at.%. Despite the rise in inflation in the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) did not raise interest rates, claiming that this rise is due to factors on the supply side, not demand side. The recently held projection of the NBS has not changed significantly in comparison with the February SK